Colorful Hindu holiday brightens Stanford

I'm initially a little concerned about this colored powder. What are the ingredients? Is it safe? The article indicates that it was getting into eyes. If there was a cloud of it at the event, then it was also entering lungs and mouths. Sometimes bright colors are created from compounds that aren't meant for consumption. Body paints are much easier to contain and I wouldn't consider eating them.

Anyone have an MSDS for these gulal powders?

the powders are starch based vegetable coloring.... If you get it in the eyes its as irritating as getting flour in your eyes while cooking or fine dust on a windy day- not so bad unless you have contacts in.